Bellingham Urology Group has recently acquired the Exactvu micro-ultrasound, which has a 300% increase in resolution over the conventional ultrasound used by urologists to guide prostate biopsies. That’s why it is called micro- (for near microscopic resolution) ultrasound.

Basically, micro-ultrasound lets our urologists actually see regions that may be suspicious so they can better attempt to “target” the biopsies to that area. Our providers can also integrate û prostate MRI s coordinate care with the radiologist, should the case warrant.

Bellingham Urology Group is committed to providing our patients with the highest level of care possible, improved s superior technology is part of that commitment. We aim for our patients to know, with confidence, that the correct diagnosis is being made, especially when cancer is a concern.

Ask for your biopsy procedure to be guided by high-resolution micro-ultrasound.

What is micro-ultrasound?

Micro-ultrasound is a new modality that has equivalent safety to conventional ultrasound (its ultrasound) but has a 300% increase in resolution over the conventional ultrasound used by urologists to guide prostate biopsies. That’s why it is called micro- (for near microscopic resolution) ultrasound.

Why is this important for you? As a man who has been referred to your urologist for a biopsy, our urologists feel it’s important to use the highest resolution imaging tool currently available to look at your prostate, one that lets them actually see regions that may be suspicious so they can better attempt to “target” the biopsies to that area?

As such, ask for your biopsy procedure to be guided by high-resolution micro-ultrasound.

Why should I ask for micro-ultrasound to guide my prostate biopsy?

Micro-ultrasound has a 300% improvement in resolution over conventional ultrasound — which means that your urologist can actually see and then target your biopsies to suspicious areas of your prostate which cannot be seen using conventional ultrasound. Why is this important for you? If you are going to have a biopsy — which is the definitive way prostate cancer is diagnosed –elon’t you want your urologist to use the most powerful imaging modality to visualize your prostate By requesting micro-ultrasound, you are allowing your urologist to benefit from a powerful tool to visualize your prostate, differentiate areas of suspicion, and then to target those areas with their biopsies. –

What is the difference between micro-ultrasound and MRI for biopsies?

Urologists have long needed to find a better imaging solution than conventional ultrasound for their biopsies. Some urologists have partnered with radiologists to start using MRI for their biopsies, which seems to work better in certain select cases (such as if you’ve already had a negative biopsy yet your symptoms persist or rise). The new availability of micro-ultrasound in the USA, Canada, and Europe, means that advanced imaging is now available for all cases. There are many benefits of micro-ultrasound over MRI to guide your initial biopsies. The exact ultrasound will also allow for an MRI guided biopsy, should the need arise.

Why is this important for you? The benefits of micro-ultrasound to you include:

Micro-ultrasound has even better resolution than MRI. This means the urologist can better see suspicious regions in your prostate and target them – and do so in real time and in their office. The procedure remains the same for our patients and our providers, Exactvu micro-ultrasound equips us to identify biopsy with certainty in any area of suspicion.

You only need one visit to the urologist to get your targeted micro-ultrasound biopsy. In contrast, with MRI, you go to your urologist, you are then referred to a hospital for an MRI, and you then go back to your urologist for a fusion biopsy. That’s at least 3 separate visits & associated costs.

The micro-ultrasound imaging session is fast, quick and painless. In contrast, the MRI scan can be claustrophobic, loud and you usually require an injection of contrast agent which can be dangerous if you have kidney problems. The MR imaging session itself takes 20 – 40 minutes inside the magnet, in addition to all the preparation.

Your urologist is an expert in ultrasound. It is the imaging modality they have been using and trained on all their professional career. It is familiar and most urologists are experts. Micro-ultrasound is an extension of that. MRI is generated and interpreted by a radiologist and then transferred to the urologist. We will also have the ability to share imaging with the radiologist and vice-versa if needed.

There is usually no additional cost for micro-ultrasound. In many locations, there is a significant additional cost for prostate MRI. At Bellingham Urology Group, our billing remains the same, while patients still benefit from the improvements in technology.

Can I book my biopsy with micro-ultrasound at Bellingham Urology Group?

Absolutely! To book your biopsy with micro-ultrasound at Bellingham Urology Group, please call us or request an appointment

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Dr. Pettit, Dr. Orton, and the entire staff of Bellingham Urology Group pledge compassion and a thorough commitment to the well-being of each and every patient. In fact, patients know us for that. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest standard of care and on making each office visit, from start to finish, as pleasant, comforting, and friendly as possible.